TMJ & Neuromuscular Dentistry - Raleigh, Cary NC
A healthy smile is more than just beautiful teeth. A healthy smile is when the muscles, bones, teeth and nerves are in harmony. When the teeth are misaligned (malocclusion) they cannot provide the support the muscles in the face need for chewing and swallowing. As a result the muscles are strained causing various symptoms, which can include:
These symptoms are often referred to as TMJ, TMD, or MPD. Neuromuscular dentistry places the teeth and jaw in its optimal position, relieving the symptoms associated with TMJ. At Stanley Dentistry, we can work with you to uncover the reasons for your discomfort and get you on the path to a healthy and beautiful smile. We want your smile to be a source of confidence, not discomfort. Contact us today to learn more about our Neuromuscular dental services today and how we can get you on the way to a pain-free smile.
Do you suffer from chronic headaches; soreness in your jaw, neck, shoulder, or back; numbness in your fingers or other symptoms that have no cause or cure? Have you been to doctors, chiropractors or other specialists for treatment?
Your problem my be TMJ disorder; the solution to your pain may be neuro muscular dentistry. Neuromuscular dentistry combines advanced diagnostic tools with gentle treatment options, with the goal of returning the jaw to its optimal position, function and health.
TMJ Disorder Symptoms
You may be a candidate for neuromuscular dentistry if you experience any of the following symptoms on a regular basis:
- Headaches or migraines
- Unexplained loose teeth
- Worn, chipped or cracked teeth
- Cracked, chipped or broken dental restorations
- Pain or soreness around the jaw joints
- Pain in teeth that seems to move around
- Neck, shoulder or back pain
- Facial pain
- Clicking or grating sounds in the jaw joints
- Limited movement or locking jaw
- Numbness in your fingers and arms
- Congestion or stuffiness of the ears
Diagnosis
TENS Unit
Dr. Stanley first uses a TENS unit to electronically massage the muscles of your head and neck. The TENS unit stimulates your jaw with low frequency pulses to help the muscle completely relax and find its most comfortable state.
Jaw Sonography
Sonography non-invasively reveals jaw joint noises that occur during jaw movement. Such noises are a sign of malocclusion (a poorly aligned bite).
Myotronics K7 Evaluation System
Dr. Stanley then uses the Myotronics K7 Evaluation System to track the position of your jaw at rest and in motion. This sophisticated computer program records and interprets TMJ sounds, masticory (chewing) muscle activity (EMGS) and the path of movement the jaw follows in function.
Using these technologies, Dr. Stanley can determine the most comfortable, functional and optimal position for your bite.
Treatment
To treat TMJ disorder, Dr. Stanley will develop a treatment plan for your specific case. Treatment may include:
Dental Restorations
Dental restorations including crowns and veneers can be placed on your teeth to then raise or lower areas of your bite, creating a natural position for your jaw.
Orthotic (either removable or fixed)
An orthotic is an appliance worn over your teeth to comfortably align the jaw and ease any muscle tension. You wear the orthotic until your jaw “trains” itself to return to its correct position.
Coronoplasty
Coronoplasty reshapes the biting surfaces of the teeth with heavy polishing in order to remove any interferences that deflect the jaw as it closes to its optimal biting position.
Full Mouth Rehabilitation
A Full Mouth Rehabilitation restores every tooth in the mouth to its optimal size, shape, width, length and position to correct the bite.
